The National Trust honours Oliver Messel’s last wishes at Nymans in West Sussex

Discover how the team at Nymans in West Sussex has worked with the Messel family and Cliveden Conservation to honour the last wishes of Oliver Messel and his partner, Vagn Riis-Hansen. In this video you’ll join Lauren Milsom-Harris, Experiences and Programming Manager at Nymans, and Gary Churchman, Stone Carver, to hear snippets of Oliver and Vagn’s story and what it means to those who are working to bring their history back to life.

Oliver Messel was one of the most prominent stage designers of the 20th century. For 24 years, Oliver was in a same-sex relationship with Vagn, who supported him through some of his happiest and most creative years.

When he died in 1978, it was Oliver’s wish that his and Vagn’s ashes be kept together in the garden at Oliver’s family home, Nymans. However, only Oliver’s name was engraved on their memorial.
In this video, hear how the National Trust team at Nymans are helping to fulfil Oliver and Vagn’s final wishes by engraving Vagn’s name alongside Oliver’s, as a permanent commemoration of their life together.

This video has been released as part of LGBT+ History Month, as we continue to share and recover LGBTQ+ stories and heritage.

You can read more about LGBTQ+ history at the places in our care here: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/history/people/exploring-lgbtq-history-at-national-trust-places

We protect and care for places so people and nature can thrive. Everyone can get involved, everyone can make a difference. Nature, beauty, history. For everyone, for ever. You can donate to us at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/donate

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